The Holy Trinity and Prairie South School Divisions are encouraging parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activity.
The two school divisions sent out an alert recently, following widespread concerns stemming from a viral trend called the “Momo Challenge,” which is targeted at children and encourages kids to harm themselves.
The “Momo Challenge” resurfaced online two weeks ago and went viral with many online users and parents condemning the challenge and expressing concerns for their children’s safety.
The alert circulated by the school divisions noted that the Momo Challenge first started in 2016 on a mobile instant messaging application called Whatsapp.
A phone number associated with the name Momo and a picture of a girl with bulging eyes and widespread mouth would use a feature of the app called ‘Quick Add’ where the app would allow the user to add and message multiple numbers in a short period of time to then send messages back and forth with any individual who was willing to respond.
The nature of the messages usually starts out innocent such as “wanna play a game?” This can then evolve into Momo encouraging the child to engage in self-harm and suicidal behaviours. The motive to follow through with the challenge is that Momo tells the child that they know where they live (the address can typically be found through reverse search of the phone number) along with their parent’s name, which is generally connected to the phone number. This can escalate to threats towards family and or loved ones if they do not follow through with the challenge or if they contact local authorities.
“Recently the Momo Challenge has reappeared in multiple YouTube videos that are specifically intended for younger audiences. Typically, the Momo Challenge will be featured in videos (such as Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Minecraft gameplay) that come from new or unreliable YouTube accounts and begins 5-10 minutes into the episode, after attempting to establish as a legitimate video. Parents/Caregivers should carefully monitor what their children watch on YouTube and only allow them to watch trusted channels,” the alert outlined.
“Online challenges such as the Momo Challenge unfortunately do circulate quite regularly. Parents should not overreact; however, it is important that they speak with their children regarding all aspects of their online activity and explain potential risk of using certain streaming platforms so that they can recognize dangerous online behaviour,” the alert warns.
“Caution should be utilized if children have access to Youtube on their mobile devices. Alternatively, many streaming apps such as Netflix have Kid Friendly functions that can be turned on to allow children to browse and stream videos without being exposed to inappropriate content.”
The alert also outlined actions parents can take to block this kind of content from their children. “If you have concerns about your children accessing Youtube, please be aware that you are able to block Youtube from your internet router at https://www.wikihow.com/Block-UnwantedSite-From-Your-Router.”
Students are also encouraged to report online behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable to a trusted adult or through the anonymous erase|Report It tool at https://erasereportit.gov.bc.ca/add/report-it.
Key Reminders that the alert outlined is important for parents:
- It is essential to stay vigilant when receiving reports of any students exhibiting “worrisome behaviours” especially those students who may be struggling at this time.
- Be aware that if there is a shift in the behavioural baseline of a student it is important to collect data in collaboration with local support agencies and conduct other assessments as required.
- Pay close attention to individuals who seem fixated on the Momo Challenge.
- The role that social media plays as both a risk enhancer as well as a prominent contributing source of data has never been stronger.
- Collectively and “strategically” intensify your connections with your children who may be vulnerable to engaging in the Momo Challenge. The power of positive, meaningful human connection is one of the best prevention strategies that can be utilized.
Meanwhile, the Moose Jaw Police Service is reminding students and the community about the importance of online safety. Sgt. Kevin Pilsworth of the MJPS is imploring students to talk to someone they can trust if they feel uncomfortable about something online.
“We just want students to know that the lines of communication are open for students to talk to a trusted source in the community; counsellors, nurses and/or the police. We echo the same sentiments as the school divisions in warning persons about this kind of activity online. Online safety is very important for us.”
